Mary Duckett spoke at the Honor Tower dedication one week ago. | Photo by the City of Greenville
“She was Southernside.” Whether you knew Mary Duckett personally or are just learning about her now, her handprints are all over our city — most notably in the Southernside neighborhood.
Mary died on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 85, and tributes honoring the community leader and advocate are pouring in. We wanted to share a few of our favorites.
“I believe Mary should be remembered as a community person, a person who believes in helping everybody, giving everybody a chance, and making sure that government does what it’s supposed to do to help the people.”
“She was a passionate advocate for justice and a bridge builder, fostering connections within our community. I will treasure the memories of our time together and the wisdom she shared with me.”
Boozy Spelling Bee | 7-9 p.m. | No Vacancy, Liberty | Free | Enjoy a night of laughs and spirited competition as you spell your way to victory at this buzz-worthy good time.*
Clemson fans: Take the rivalry off the field and save lives
Presented by The Blood Connection
As a token of appreciation, donors will receive an exclusive 2025 Clemson Blood Bowl sweatshirt, while supplies last. | Photo provided by The Blood Connection
It’s rivalry week, and Tigers are ready to prove their spirit where it truly counts — helping neighbors in need.
From November 17–21, Clemson University hosts the 2025 Clemson Blood Bowl, and The Blood Connection is calling on students, faculty, and fans to donate blood and show Gamecocks who’s boss.
Every donation supports local patients at Upstate hospitals like AnMed Health. Plus, donors will receive a limited-edition Clemson Blood Bowl sweatshirt, while supplies last.
Greenville’s skyline may have a new addition soon. Developers have unveiled plans to build a new seven-story high-rise at the corner of Falls and Court Streets, fit with restaurant, retail, and office space. The proposed site is currently taken up by a parking lot. (Post and Courier)
Edu
Legacy Early College has big plans for the future. The charter school wants to build on a 55-acre site near White Horse Road, a move that would increase enrollment from 1,500 students to 2,500. Officials hope to break ground in the spring. (Post and Courier)
Closed
Farm Fresh Fast permanently closed its Simpsonville location due to “unforeseen circumstances.” The local farm-to-table spot thanked customers for their support over the years.
Announced
Rising country music star Parker McCollum is headed to the CCNB Amphitheatre on Aug. 21 with Max McNown and Annie Bosko. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Nov. 21 at 10 a.m.
Opening
Chestnut Coffee House is opening its fifth location on Monday, Dec. 1 at Hartness. Sip seasonal drinks on the Eastside at the neighborhood’s expanded Village Center.
Number
~2,000. That’s how many people visited Unity Park’s new Honor Tower over its opening weekend. “It’s a different perspective when you get up here,” one visitor said. “I’ve never seen the city like this before.”
Festival
New Realm is turning up the heat with its Kluck Yeah Wing Fest on Sunday, Nov. 23 — featuring a hot wing challenge with five spice levels (no water allowed), a speed-eating contest, live music, special wing flavors, and a limited beer release.
Drink
A satisfying drink after a long day, with none of the hangover? Say less. Naternal’s cannabis infused seltzer comes in a delicious Blueberry Acai flavor with 5 mg of THC per can, and it’s made right here in the Carolinas. Try it for less with code RELAX30.†*
Community
Maybe you found your favorite festival in our Events section or discovered a new date-night spot in our City Guides. Those little life upgrades are why we do this. If GVLtoday has helped you make the most of Greenville, consider supporting our work with a one-time gift.
Are you taking advantage of all the savings opportunities for adults ages 50+? This list of tips can support your continued saving and help build additional wealth.*
Properly disposing of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) protects our pipes and our rivers. | Photo provided by Reedy River Water Quality Group
The holiday season is upon us, which means family recipes, full tables, and, often, fats, oils, and grease leftover from all the cooking. You can’t make Great Aunt Mabel’s famous casserole without Crisco, after all.
ReWa is reminding Greenville residents that these kitchen byproducts (known as FOG) can cool and harden inside pipes, causing blockages that lead to expensive repairs at home, backups in our sewer systems, and pollution in our waterways (reducing water quality + harming aquatic habitats).
Read: The Reedy River depends on all of us to do our part.
The fix is simple: Avoid pouring anything greasy into sinks or disposals. Instead, follow these three steps:
Let the FOG (fat, oil, or grease) cool.
Scrape it into a container.
Seal the container and toss it in the trash.
(And don’t forget to wipe down pans before washing.)
Let’s protect GVL’s water by keeping our drains FOG-free this season.
It’s go time. Amazon’s Black Friday Week kicks off today as one of the best sales of the year. New deals drop daily, and these are today’s top five you don’t want to miss:
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The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
If we’re getting technical, stuffing is cooked inside the turkey while dressing is baked separately in a dish. Personally, I call it stuffing either way, though.
If you’re looking to get a final look at the fall foliage and learn a bit along the way, Conestee Nature Preserve is hosting a naturalist-led history hike on Saturday from 8 to 10 a.m., plus a family-friendly guided hike later that morning from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Both walks highlight the preserve’s past and present.
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